Kevin Payne was one of the most influential figures to ever exist in American soccer history. The legendary symbol of American soccer passed away at 69, on Sunday.
Payne was an executive and general manager of Toronto FC. He notably served D.C. United from 1994-2012, for long 18 years. D.C. United has achieved massive success under Payne’s tenure, winning the MLS four times and two US Open Cups.
Kevin Payne acted as general manager and president from 1994-2001. From 2004, he took over as the CEO and president till 2012. “He will always be remembered as a dedicated champion of our club, MLS, our community, and soccer in the U.S.,” D.C. United said in their club statement.
Payne was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021, as an honorary return for his contributions in making D.C. United MLS’s first dynasty. The Washington Post first reported about his death in Charleston, S.C. The 69-year-old Soccer royalty died from lung disease on the Christmas Eve of 2022.
Who was Kevin Payne?
Kevin Payne grew up with a desire to be a soccer player. He did play college soccer and some soccer at a semi-professional level, however, his dream couldn’t come true. Later on, he went on to win an award for radio journalism.
Kevin played a massive role to give birth to Major League Soccer. He managed to gather a number of investors with the help of Alan Rothenberg for the MLS dream. Later on, he gathered the sponsors and the investors of D.C. United and went on to win 13 major titles with them.
Payne joined Toronto FC after serving D.C. United for more than one and half a decade. He said, “I really love to build things” when he joined Toronto FC in 2012. Toronto was in terrible shape before Payne’s incoming. Payne said, “Personally I love a challenge” while taking over as the general manager of a Toronto side that won 45 matches in 6 seasons.
We are saddened to share the news that our founding president and general manager Kevin Payne has passed away.
He will always be remembered as a dedicated champion of our club, MLS, our community and soccer in the U.S. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/qpeogaqKgj
— D.C. United (@dcunited) December 25, 2022
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, “Kevin leaves a legacy not only of success in business and sports, but he will also be remembered for his strong moral compass, his kindness, and his devotion to his friends and family.” He added, “His passing will be deeply felt by everyone at MLS and throughout the entire soccer community.” Don paid his homage to Payne and regarded him as “instrumental in the formation of the league”, for Payne’s tireless work for the league.
All of us at Major League Soccer mourn the loss of Kevin Payne, one the League’s most successful club executives.
Statement on the passing of Kevin Payne: https://t.co/MybJ95UdO5
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) December 25, 2022
The entire United States soccer community has come together to mourn for the legendary Kevin Payne. He has revolutionized club soccer in the USA by introducing MLS. Renowned soccer players around the world from time to time have enlightened the league’s popularity and relevance as well. Kevin Payne’s contributions to American soccer will be always written in gold.